Nominations are officially open for the 2025 Westfield Local Heroes program with Australians encouraged to nominate everyday heroes whose work has a positive impact on their local community or environment.
Now in its eighth year, vital assistance is on the table as Knox locals are invited to nominate special people in their community as part of an international program designed to support local charities.
The program is run by Scentre Group, who are owners of Westfield destinations in Australia and New Zealand and last year’s winner in Knox Westfield was Gayle Dye from Share Space Inc.
“It was exciting. There was no other word for it,” Ms Dye said.
“I did not think I was going to win, the other two finalists, what they do is amazing as well.”
Ms Dye said her organisation had been fundraising for some time to purchase a new van and winning helped pull them over the line – making the purchase possible.
Share Space Inc. is a family-run food relief and community support charity founded in Rowville in 2020 which continues to make a meaningful impact in the Knox community, providing essential aid to those in need.
“We’ve got 62 volunteers and we are 100 per cent volunteer run, we help around 750 people per month,” said Ms Dye.
The Westfield Local Heroes program recognises and celebrates individuals and organisations dedicated to their communities and environment by shining a spotlight on them and their work.
This year, Westfield will award $20,000 to one Westfield Local Hero at each Westfield destination in support of the organisation or group they represent.
Two finalists for each centre will also receive a $5,000 grant for their organisation or group. A total of 126 grants are available to recipients, the program providing vital support to local organisations so they can continue helping their community.
Scentre Group National Community Manager, Pam Wilson said the Westfield Local Heroes program is a testament to the remarkable individuals who dedicate themselves to making a difference, and the power of community spirit.
“We’re thrilled to announce that nominations are open for the Westfield Local Heroes 2025 program and look forward to recognising this year’s cohort of recipients who are creating positive change within their community,” she said.
“The grants empower local heroes to continue their vital work, creating ripple effects of positive change in their communities. We’re excited to celebrate these inspiring individuals within our communities and welcome them as Westfield Local Hero alumni.
Nominating someone is easy and it can have a significant and long-lasting impact on the lives of thousands.”
Since its inception in 2018, the Westfield local heroes program has contributed more than $8.6 million* in grants to 865 community organisations. (*Westfield Local Heroes grants are provided in Australian and New Zealand dollars. )
Share Space Inc. continues to grow and expand and Ms Dye said they are currently trying to help up to 1000 people a month and provide a range of new home help services in 2025.
“It’s called Share space services, and it’s going to be a free service via referral, so people can get their lawns mowed for free, or help decluttering their house,” said Ms Dye.
Once nominations close on March 13, a panel of representatives from destination teams and local community partners select three finalists for each Westfield destination, with the community then invited to vote for their 2025 Westfield local hero.
Nominations for Westfield local heroes close on March 13 this year. The community vote will be held between August 19 and September 8 to determine the Westfield Local Heroes at each centre, with the grant recipients announced in October.
For more information and to nominate your Westfield Local Heroes, visit
www.westfield.com.au/local-heroes
“Westfield has been amazing,” said Ms Dye.
“They support you and the important thing with the Westfield grant is that they spotlight smaller charities – people working on the ground.”
